The public health authority has urged people to stay indoors due to the high levels of smoke and ash in the air. 13 people missing and 22 arrested in wildfires – Number killed by fires rises to 13 – The number of people killed by the wildfires has increased from 11 to 13, according to Los Angeles Officials. The Eaton fire has killed eight people and the Palisades fire has killed five. (Photo: Fires in LA).

Some 13 people are reported missing and 22 people have been arrested during the wildfires, according to LA authorities. It’s not known if the missing people relate to the 11 deaths already confirmed. A curfew has been enforced, and police have arrested the 22 for curfew violations, trespassing, burglary and looting in areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, LA county sheriff Robert Luna says.

He is holding the first news conference of the day in the city, where it has just gone 8am.

Some 153,000 people are under evacuation orders, and 166,000 are under evacuation warnings, he says. “An evacuation order is a mandatory directive for residents to leave the area immediately due to imminent danger. “Evacuation warnings are precautionary alerts informing residents that they should be prepared to evacuate as the situation may worsen.”

The city’s fire chief Anthony Marrone says the Eaton fire has damaged or destroyed 7,000 structures. The fire has spread to 14,117 acres, with 15% containment. Containment refers to the proportion of the fire around which lines of control have been placed, which it should not be able to cross. The Palisades fire stands at 21,596 acres, having destroyed 5,316 structures. It is 11% contained.

Structures do not necessarily mean homes – they include sheds and vehicles. “We still have over 105,000 citizens that have been evacuated,” a fire official says. Storm chaser describes seeing the garden ‘burst into flames’ – Despite evacuation orders and advice from authorities, some people tried to save their properties from the wildfires. Storm chaser Tanner Charles attempted to stop the flames from destroying his friend’s home, he told Sky News.

“As we were talking inside the house I looked over and saw the backyard burst into flames,” he said. At that point they abandoned the house, which he said hasn’t survived but “we’re just thankful that we did”. “This is the first time I have been in a situation this intense. I have been around some fires in the past, but nothing near this level.” Fire threat to remain high as winds pick up, says fire chief – Fire and police officials are holding a news conference in Los Angeles.

Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Kathryn Barger, says she has invited Donald Trump to visit the county to see the impact of the fires. A copy of the letter was posted to her X account. Fire chief Anthony Marrone adds an update on the Eaton fire, which has now burned through 14,117 acres. There is 15% containment – a figure referring to the proportion of the fire around which control lines have been placed that the fire should not be able to cross.

More than 7,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, says Mr Marrone. “Elevated critical fire weather conditions are predicted to begin this evening and continue through Wednesday.” Stronger winds and low humidity will “keep the fire threat in LA county high”. There will be inevitable power outtages implemented prior to those winds to stop never fires.

Biden speaks with LA officials – Joe Biden has spoken with key Los Angeles officials, the White House has said. The president called LA county supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Ventura county supervisor Kelly Long separately to discuss the latest updates. He continues to be briefed by senior staff, including on how federal resources are supporting the state and local response, the White House said.

Almost 1,700 National Guard personnel deployed – California Governor Gavin Newsom has increased the number of National Guard members drafted in to help with the fire response efforts. Some 1,680 National Guard personnel have now been deployed to Los Angeles, his office told our US partner network NBC News. “We are continuing to rush in resources to rapidly respond to the firestorm in Los Angeles fuelled by hurricane-force winds,” Newsom said.

“The men and women of the California National Guard are working day and night to help Los Angeles residents during their greatest time of need.” Mexico sends firefighters to Los Angeles – Mexico has sent a team of firefighters to California to help teams battling the wildfires. “The humanitarian aid group is leaving for Los Angeles, California,” Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X.

“We are a country of generosity and solidarity,” she added.  California governor Gavin Newsom thanked Mexico in a message on X posted on Friday after the deployment was announced.  “California is deeply grateful for President Sheinbaum’s support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires.”

Courtesy: Sky News